Redundancy not due to Coronavirus

Agent_C

I was made redundant at the beginning of the month because of restructuring rather than the coronavirus. I thought it wouldn't be difficult to pick up a new job but I now have to practice social distancing due to health conditions. In the past I have been able to easily pick up freelance work I can do at home but understandably there seems to be nothing going at the moment. From what I can work out, all I'll be entitled to is contribution based JSA at £72.40 a week for 6 months, and that is if the job centre will accept that I can look for work while socially distancing. My concern is that this situation could go on for months. Any suggestions? 

DanielGodfrey

It might not be glamorous, but a lot of the supermarkets are hiring to meet the increased need and the staffing shortages with those self-isolating. I'd try that? 

Agent_C

DanielGodfrey said:

It might not be glamorous, but a lot of the supermarkets are hiring to meet the increased need and the staffing shortages with those self-isolating. I'd try that? 

Thanks Daniel - I have to socially isolate because of my health conditions so any job that puts me into contact with others is out for the time being. 

calcotti

Unless you have savings over £16,000 you can claim Universal Credit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/

The amount you are entitled to depends on your circumstances. If you have a partner you both have to claim and entitlement is based on your joint circumstances.

There are benefit calculators here https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Agent_C

calcotti said:

Unless you have savings over £16,000 you can claim Universal Credit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/

The amount you are entitled to depends on your circumstances. If you have a partner you both have to claim and entitlement is based on your joint circumstances.

There are benefit calculators here https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Thanks - I won't be entitled to any UC as I received a redundancy payment which counts towards savings, and my partner works part time - we have no kids. I was the main earner before and have not been out of work before - it's going to be really hard for so many of us in this position.